Directors' Report: Business review
Social enterprise investment
Our overall social enterprise objective is to create a lasting positive legacy from Tullow’s operations. Enterprise development is now our priority focus area and underpins our aim to help communities to support themselves over the long-term. In 2009, we invested over US$2 million on voluntary social enterprise projects, of this US$1.7 million was invested in projects in Africa. Our budget has significantly increased in 2010, to enhance our contribution and support our role in social enterprise and local community development particularly around our major projects in Ghana and Uganda.
Education in Uganda
In Uganda, we are providing education support in teaching standards, learning materials and physical infrastructure. We have partnered with Link Community Development to provide teacher training in eight schools surrounding our operations. In the Hoima and Buliisa districts we are renovating and constructing schools, building housing for teachers and supporting school library projects. This programme has been universally welcomed by teachers, the Education Standards Authority and District Education Officers.
Hathay Bunano project in Bangladesh
The communities surrounding our Bangora operations in the Comilla District, Bangladesh, are predominately employed in the agricultural sector, which offers very few employment opportunities for women. Our partnership with social business enterprise, Hathay Bunano Proshikhan Society (HBps) generates sustainable income and economic opportunities for women by offering training and employment in the production of crochet toys. Currently 200 women have completed training and are now earning independent incomes. The centre also offers free child care and very flexible working conditions.